US film demand growing 1.8 percent annually

CLEVELAND (Jan. 8, 10:25 a.m. ET) — Demand for plastic film in the United States will grow 1.8 percent annually to reach 15.9 billion pounds in 2016, according to a new market study.

Demand for polypropylene and linear low density polyethylene film will both exceed 2 percen annually, driven by food packaging and other applications, as well as opportunities such as pouches for drugs and medical products, and in modified atmosphere packaging.

Among low-volume films, degradable plastics will exhibit the fastest growth, followed by cellophane and ethylene vinyl alcohol, according to the report, “Plastic Film,” from Cleveland-based Freedonia Group Inc.